Can cranberry juice CURE a urinary tract infection?

Question

I was diagnosed last week as having a urinary tract infection. However, since drinking cranberry juice, the symptoms have cleared up. My doctor has prescribed antibiotics, saying that although there are no symptoms, there still could be remenants of the bacteria in my body. I got a second opinion from another doctor who said that the cranberry juice had cleared the infection, and that I should only take the antibiotics if the symptoms returned. I am reluctant to take the antibiotics. Can anyone offer advice as to my situation?

Answer 1

Take those antibiotics until they are gone!!! The infection will stay in your system and you may show symptems later. The bacteria, having been introduced to the antibiotics will develop an imunity. It will be much harder to treat a second time arround. Cranberry juice does help but this is because of the vitamin c. Take vitamin c tablets regularly to help prevent future infections.

Answer 2

For your symptoms, yes. Drink Cranberry juice. 4- 5 glasses a day for about 3-6 days should do the trick. Make sure it is 100% juice. I personally have used this trick when I caught it early. On the 4rth day if your symptoms persist or don't get better, ask your parents if they have any antibiotics left over from a previous sickness, except for penicillinn ( a lot of people are allergic). DON"T use two different types of antibiotics. Go by the directions on the bottle. You probably don't have to take them but it will clear up much sooner. If you start to feel worse, for example having sharp pains in either your lower back ( kidneys) which sorrounds your lumbar, or in your abdomen go to the doctor, because something different might be going on. The best to you and hope you feel better

Answer 3

Keep drinking the cranberry juice for another week. Don't take the antibiotics. Eat yogurt or take probiotics for a month.

I wouldn't want to take those antibiotics if I didn't have to either. They can have some adverse reactions. Always try cranberry juice first!

You can always take the antibiotics if you have another urinary tract infection that doesn't clear up with cranberry juice.

Answer 4

Cranberry juice is very good for urinary tract infections. It tends to act as a diuretic, and also makes the urine comparatively acid, which can sometimes kill the bacteria. If you are symptom-free, then I see no need to take the antibiotics, but I would certainly have them on hand in case the symptoms recur.

Answer 5

I get urinary infection, and take cranberry juice, and it clears it up. I will suggest that you also eat Yoqurt, with puts good bacteria in you, especially if you take an antibiotic, which kills bacteria, good and bad. It doesn't hurt to have cranberry juice on hand and drink periodically. You also can get pills to take, which is sometimes easier than trying to drink during the day.

Answer 6

It looks to me like the cranberry juice people are winning! And that's because we've tried it and it works. You have to have at least 3 x 8oz glasses a day. I admit, it might not work for everyone but it's worth a try before you take those antibiotics.
Also, if you want to increase your chances of a cure,then take yogurt as well, it gets the good bacteria into your intestines which could be a source of your UTI.

Answer 7

Indeed Cranberry is a great supplement! you don't need to take antibiotic anymore as long as your UTI has been cleared up. You may continue using cranberry juice, you can also take it in capsule, a lot of this is available in the market. Aside from its benefit against bacterial infections in the Urinary tract system, Cranberries are a source of polyphenol antioxidants, phytochemicals under active research for possible benefits to the cardiovascular system, immune system and as anti-cancer agents. For your UTI prevnetion and medication you may follow some of advice below.

-Drinking a lot of fluid, which increases the amount of urine produced and helps to flush out infectious microorganisms.

-Emptying the bladder immediately after having intercourse.

-Using oral contraceptives rather than a diaphragm, which tends to put pressure on or irritate the urethra.

-Drinking cranberry juice as a preventive measure.

Answer 8

depending on the severity of the infection to begin with, yes cranberry juice can kill an infection. I would go with the second doctor's opinion, don't take the antibiotics unless your symptoms return.

Answer 9

yes cranberry juice
The content below was selected by the WebMD Editorial staff and is solely under WebMD's editorial control.
Pregnancy: Urinary Tract Infection in Pregnancy
WebMD Medical Reference in collaboration with
A urinary tract infection is an infection in the body's system involved in excreting urine. This system includes:

The kidneys
The ureter (tube that carries urine from the kidneys to the bladder)
The bladder
The urethra (a short tube that carries urine from the bladder to outside the body)
The infection most often occurs in the urethra and bladder. It can also travel from the bladder into the ureter and kidneys.

What Causes Urinary Tract Infections?

Bacteria are usually the cause of UTIs. Normally a person's urine does not contain bacteria. Bacteria are naturally present on the skin, in the lower bowel and in the stool itself. Sometimes bacteria from one of these sources enter the urinary tract system. Once there, they multiply and cause pain and irritation.

How Does Bacteria Enter the Urinary Tract?

Many times there is no obvious reason. The ways it occurs in pregnancy is the same as in a nonpregnant woman. Some of the ways bacteria enter the urinary tract include:

Partial blockage of a urinary passage (from the pressure of an enlarged uterus, for example).
Sexual intercourse.
Catheters (tubes placed into the bladder that empty the bladder for sick people).
Stool that gets wiped into the vagina after a bowel movement.
Who Gets Urinary Tract Infections?

Anyone can get a urinary tract infection, but it is most common in women. Women can get the infection from sexual intercourse when bacteria near the vagina gets pushed up into the urinary tract.

Do Urinary Tract Infections Cause Serious Health Problems?

With proper care, urinary tract infections rarely cause serious health problems. Most infections are limited to the bladder and urethra. Once in awhile a urinary tract infection will lead to a kidney infection.


Are UTIs Harmful to Pregnant Women?

Pregnant women are at an increased risk to develop UTIs. Pregnancy hormones cause changes in the urinary tract which predispose women to infections. In addition, as the uterus grows it presses on the bladder and can prevent complete emptying of urine. This stagnant urine is a likely source for infection. Untreated, these infections may lead to kidney infections. Urinary tract infections in pregnant women should be treated to prevent complications.

How Do I Know If I Have a UTI?

The signs of a UTI include:

Feeling an urgent need to urinate or frequent urination.
Having difficulty urinating.
Having a burning sensation or cramps in the lower back or lower abdomen.
Having a burning sensation during urination.
Urine that looks cloudy or has an odor.
I Think I May Have a UTI, What Should I Do?

If you think you have a urinary tract infection, tell your health care provider. He or she will test a small sample of urine for bacteria and red and white blood cells. The urine may also be tested to see what kind of bacteria are in the urine (called a urine culture).

If your infection is causing discomfort, you will probably be treated before the urine test results come back.

How Are Urinary Tract Infections Treated?

Urinary tract infections are treated with antibiotics. You will need to take the medicine for 7 days or as determined by your health care provider.

How Soon Does the Medicine Work?

The symptoms should go away in three days. But, don't stop taking your medication early, even if the symptoms go away (unless instructed by your health care provider).

How Can I Avoid Getting Urinary Tract Infections?

Drink at least eight glasses of water a day.
Wipe yourself from front to back.
Empty your bladder shortly before and after sex.
Use a water-based lubricant during intercourse if you feel dry.
Don't douche.
Don't use feminine deodorants or strong soaps.
Change feminine pads often.
Wash the genital area with warm water before sex.
Wear cotton underwear.
Take showers instead of baths.
Avoid tight fighting clothing and pantyhose.
Reviewed by The Cleveland Clinic Birthing Services and the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.

Edited by Tracy Shuman, MD, November 2005, WebMD.

SOURCES: American Association of Family Physicians. American Pregnancy Organization.

Portions of this page ©The Cleveland Clinic 2000-2002

Answer 10

well this may not be the right answer your looking for, but my mom has the same problem like in your situation. Her doctor recommended drinking cranberry juice as that cleaned your urine. and if the symptons ever returned to drink that, its Not really a cure but more like a treatment. theres also an other drink that really helps a lot, it cleans out you stomach as well, its agua de jamaica. not sure how you would say it in english, but its like an ice tea, except dont add sugar in it, it may be tasteless but it helps. i gave you a link at the bottom of this. Try it and let me know how it went. take care!